CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSPFC Gaunttserved with the R-2 section of the 5th Marine Regiment on Guadalcanal On the night of 12 August 1942, he joined a patrol led by Colonel Frank Goettge, intending to investigate reports of a surrendering Japanese encampment.
The patrol was ambushed, isolated on its beachhead, and all but annihilated. PFC Gauntt was one of those who did not return. Initially listed as missing in action, he was declared dead as of 14 August 1943.